Walnut Canyon National Monument

This small National Monument protects one of the first permanent settlements (1100 – 1250) in this region. This unique area is considered a biological “hot spot”, offering plants and animals from both mountain and desert environments; which made it the perfect environment. In tribute to their ability to turn a relatively dry region into a thriving farming community, the people who lived here, are known as “Sinagua” Which is Spanish for “without water.”

Island Trail

This 0.9 mile paved interpretive trail requires a climb of 185 feet via 240 steps at over 6,000 feet elevation. It’s a struggle for many; but well worth the effort. And, the park has provided an abundance of places to sit and rest along the way.

As we exit the visitors center, we get our first good look at the canyon and the trailhead.

There are many interpretive boards here providing a history of the community, the work the CCC did here in 1933, details about the cliff homes, canyon life, etc. It’s a great overview for those who choose not to go down the island trail to see the cliff dwellings up close.

After descending the trail and beginning the one-way island loop trail, we look right (North) and see our first set of cliff dwellings across the canyon.

Island Cliff Dwellings

Once we turn the corner, we see additional information boards along the trail describing the shelters we’re seeing, the geologic history of the area, how the rooms functioned, the daily work involved in sustaining the community, where they found water, among many others. It’s a fascinating journey into the past.

The dwellings on the west side of the island seem to be more abundant and better preserved. This area was ravaged by early visitors to the area (1880s – 1915), who came with the railroads. They destroyed many of the dwellings, and took everything they found home as souvenirs. It was this practice that prompted the area to be declared a National Monument in 1915, thereby protecting it from further destruction.

Rock Formations

Along the path we also see interesting rock formations as well as more information boards pointing out plants and the role they played in village life.

Dwellings across the canyon

This village encompassed both sides of the canyon with residents traveling between the island and the outer rims or meeting in the canyon below.

Cliff Dwellings below the Visitor Center

As we approach the end of the trail, we can see several people in hard hats milling around the cliff dwellings directly below the visitor center. We never did find out what they were doing, but they provide great scale for my photos.

Rim Trail

This ADA accessible, paved trail leads to an overlook that offers a view of the island we just visited and the canyon surrounding it. It’s easy to see why this landscape offered natural protections against both the elements and enemies.

It also offers a unique perspective of the visitor center perched at the top of the steep path leading down to the island.

Picnic Area Trail

An offshoot from the Rim Trail, this short path through the trees leads to a shaded picnic area. And just beyond that, a few ruins of the housing that could be found on the rim of Walnut Canyon.

Rim Pueblo’s

Constructed using the same techniques we encountered at Wupatki, these field houses were associated with the crops grown along the canyon rim, supporting the canyon village.

In-ground pithouse

Widely used over long periods of times, pithouses varied in size, shape, and construction depending on the material available. The foundation that remains below would have had a framework built around it, that was then covered in a mixture of brush and mud, creating walls and a roof. Entering the structure was accomplished via a ladder from an opening in the roof; which also served to vent smoke.

Continuing the trail, we find ourselves back at the visitor center. It’s amazing how much history the park service has packed into an experience that only take a few hours.

Next stop… Home. Thank you for joining us, we look forward to sharing our next adventure with you in 2025.